asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a doctor applying for a vacuum flask for a patient and being required to furnish four different certificates, which caused so long a delay that the patient was forced to obtain a flask from an agricultural worker; and, in view of this, if he will issue a further instruction to ensure that permits are issued immediately to all applicants furnishing a medical certificate.

Yes, Sir. My preliminary inquiries indicate that this case arose during the time when vacuum flasks were in the shortest supply, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 26th February last. I will write to the hon. Member fully in a few days when my inquiries will have been completed.